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Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. Same as his other two dances.
Judges’ comments: Craig says “so much better, more focused and superior shaping, vast improvement”. Motsi says “something special, I felt the power, amazing”. Shirley says “from beginner to warrior, energy, dynamism, spectacular”. Anton concludes “you’ve had a great night, all dances super-strong, you’re the loveliest boy, I’ve got an eight-year-old George at home and if he turns out like you, I’ll be very proud”. Aww. Nines and 10s?
ShareGeorge and Alexis’ paso doble
Their couple’s favourite is their paso from way back in week two – the first time George embraced a character and showed us his serious side. It scored 30 points and saw Shirley Ballas say he could be a frontrunner. Well, she was right. Bondage gear, a bit 90s Cyberdog, for a modern mood. His posture and frame has improved hugely and they’ve added extra matador oomph.A jam-packed, powerful paso with strong knee walks and aggressive stamps. Strong shapes, the odd bit of gapping and tiny timing issues but smouldering, dramatic and full of intent. Olé! Rather more than 30 points this time, I suspect.
Song: Game of Survival by Ruelle. Melodramatic electro pop from the Mississippi singer-songwriter who’s something of a soundtrack favourite. This one was the theme tune for BBC nature series Dynasties.
George Clarke and Alexis Warr. Photograph: Guy Levy/BBC/PAShare
Judges’ scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 40 points. A total of 118 points out of a possible 120.
Judges’ comments: Anton says “even better second time around, you’re a great talent and have a remarkable career in front of you, it’s been a pleasure to watch you dance”. Craig says “you lost half your dress it was so fast, the last time I’ll watch you dance for free, I’ll be paying next time”. Motsi says “stepped in last minute and gave us extraordinary dances throughout the run despite the noise outside, commitment and energy, I want to see you on Broadway, you’re a super girl”. Shirley concludes “wonder woman, sprikled magical dust all over this show, bright lights beckon”. Another 40?
ShareAmber and Nikita’s jive
Their couple’s favourite is from week 10, just three weeks ago, so should still be in Amber Davies muscle memory. It also scored their first perfect 40, so can they improve on perfection? Slow, primary-coloured start, then it kicks right off. Energetic and celebratory with body ripples, sharp feet and quick legs. A jam-packed jive. Still a crowd-pleaser, although maybe flagged a little towards the end, which is understandable after three dances. Last time, they went straight into the Instant Dance challenge – cue bonkers Nikita outfit – but at least they can get their breath back this time.
Song: Proud Mary by Tina Turner. Her funky 1971 cover of the Creedence Clearwater Revival roots-rocker which became one of Tina’s signature songs. As she says in the intro, it starts off “nice and easy” but finishes “nice and rough”.
Nikita Kuzmin and Amber Davies. Photograph: Kieron McCarron/BBC/PAShare
Tess and Claudia’s showdance is announced! But it was only a joke. “Hats down,” says Claud sadly as she and the pros take off their fruit hats. Aww.
ShareVoting is… party poppers ready… open!
After two dances, the public vote is officially opened. Phonelines? Pah. Online-only nowadays. The usual prop-based pandemonium kicks off in the Clauditorium with everyone dressed in Claudia wigs. Even Craig. Someone’s emptied the shelves at Temu.
Judges’ scores: 8 (boo!), 10, 9, 10 for a total of 37 points. Lowest score of the night so far, incredibly.
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “a bit out of sync in places, full-on impact and gave it your all”. Anton says “fast, divine, the best bits of you”. Craig says “first half a little lacklustre but when you kicked in, it went wild, totally love your energy, would like to borrow it someday, darling”. Motsi concludes “showed softness and feeling, then so much energy, you left your heart on the dancefloor”. Two nines and two 10s, are we saying?
ShareKaren and Carlos’ showdance
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu’s showdance has a clever gimmick where their starting pose is the same as the end pose of their Couple’s Choice – and its own ending pose echoes their first Strictly promo picture. Neat. Choreographed by Jake Leigh, it sees the pair coming full circle. Pop art geometric set and she’s in soft, fluid periwinkle satin trousers, with Carlos in a similar look. Starts slowly then explodes into a celebratory number, spreading the joy and bringing the party. Charleston elements, streetdance with swagger, almost no lifts, unlike the others. Kaz embraces her speed but keeps it precise and hits all the sharp elements. Confetti falls.
Song: Inner Smile by Texas. Karen is a friend with frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri and this is a sped-up version of their 2000 hit, co-written by Gregg “New Radicals” Alexander. It means a lot to female football fans, havin featured prominently in Bend It Like Beckham.
Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. Still no 40 for George but one more chance.
Oops. Apparently it’s Kaz Carney’s mum in the audience, not Judy Murray. My bad. Ma Kaz is probably a better dancer, though. Wonder who’d win at tennis?
Updated at 14.58 EST
Judges’ comments: Motsi says “dancing is about feeling and it was stunning, beautiful, showcased your connection, you looked so together”. Shirley says “zero to hero, seamless lifts, all of you laid out”. Anton says “this is what dancing is, celebratory, exquisite partnering, summed up your journey and growth, joyous”. Craig concludes “power, presence, fantastic lifts, true emotion”. Tens incoming, I suspect.
ShareGeorge and Alexis’ showdance
Another showdance designed to tell the celebrity’s Strictly story. Both in sporty, sparkly monochrome outfits. Alexis starts off upside down, like The Cube meets Gladiators. Playing to George’s strengths, while showcasing his improvement and versatility. It’s a whistle-stop tour of styles, with moments of contemporary, tango, lindyhop and foxtrot. Fast and slow sections, with transitions in both speed and style. Lifts and lovely connection. Crowd-pleasing nods to previous routines. A killer routine to The Killers.
Song: Human by The Killers. Frontman Brandon Flowers described their 2008 single as “‘Johnny Cash meets the Pet Shop Boys”. Can’t say fairer than that.
Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. The same as her first dance but overmarked for me.
Judy Murray is in the audience. Now there’s a dancer. Well, ish.
Judges’ comments: Craig says “felt like a series of tricks, lacked transitions and dancing in between but the lifts were out of this world, you make perfect pictures”. Motsi says “so special, made it look easy when it isn’t, sharp and shining like a crystal”. Shirley says “dynamic duo, flawless and beautiful”. Anton concludes with a series of noises and grunts, then says “brand new lifts were exciting, you seem to have slightly more time like an extraordinary dancer, magnificent showdance from a magnificent showgirl”. An eight from Craig, nines and 10s elsewhere, do we think?
ShareAmber and Nikita’s showdance
Amber Davies and her pro partner Nikita Kuzmin now show off what Amber can do now. It’s a full-on showstopper, celebrating how far she’s come and the culmination of her competition. Amber looking every inch the musical theatre siren in a claret frock with draped shoulders, with black evening gloves for extra Hollywood glamour – and then strips to a sparkly silver corset. Draws a heart shape on a steamy glass screen to start, like a school trip bus window. Lots of side-by-side synchronisation and intricate arm-ography. Difficult lifts and technically challenging tricks. They really are throwing everything at this. A little stilted and stop-start due to the lifts but spectacular nonetheless.
Song: Rain On Me by Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande. The Grammy-winning 2020 dance-pop banger was the first ever all-female collaboration to go straight in at number one of the US Billboard chart. The video, which saw Gaga and Grande dancing inside a giant arena during a rainstorm while daggers fell from the sky, was directed by filmmaker Robert Rodriguez of Desperado and Sin City fame.